Universal Studios: Halloween Horror Nights tours available

A handful of Halloween Horror Nights tours are now being offered by Universal Studios. Some offer front-of-line access, and others include behind-the-scenes treats.

They all require a purchase in addition to regular admission to Halloween Horror Nights. You've been warned.

Here is an overview of four tours:

+ The Unmasking the Horror Tour is a guided, lights-on walkthrough (in the daytime, no less) of three HHN haunted houses. Photos are allowed. There are no more than 15 guests per guide. Cost: $55 per person.

+ The Arcane Insights Tour is a guided tour on that covers all haunted houses and one behind-the-scenes makeup and costuming area during an event night. The group is accompanied by members of Universal's Art & Design Team, who will add (arcane) insights as you go along. (They'll also be available for a Q&A with participants.) Other benefits: reserved seating for "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure," valet parking, access to the RIP Lounge and more. Note: Tour lasts 6 hours. Price: $225 per person.

+ Private RIP Tours are for parties of up to 10 people, and they provide front-of-line access to all haunted houses and select attractions in the park. Other perks: valet parking, RIP Lounge access, "Bill and Ted" reserved seating, coffee and bottled water at end of tour. Price: Between $1,500 and $1,800 per group, depending on the night.

+ Non-Private RIP Tours have many of the same benefits as private, but your party will be mixed with other non-private groupings, capping out at 12 people. Non-privates are limited to two regular attractions thrown in, and the tour ends once you've been to those attractions, "Bill and Ted" and every house. (Duration: Between two and four hours.) Price: Between $150 and $175 per person, depending on night.

Note that tours are not held every night. Space is limited, and in some cases, advance reservations are required. For more details and fine print, go to www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando, click on "Tickets & Packages," then "add-ons," and then "RIP tours."